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Dr. Bernay had been fast getting back to her, Carrie thought, looking at her ringing phone with some relief.

But the caller ID came up as Always Charming.

After hesitating a moment, Carrie decided to answer. “Hello?”

“Carrie, it’s Lacey.”

“Lacey. Hi.”

“Hon, are you okay?”

Carrie released a small nervous laugh. “Not really.”

“I’m at the shop, finishing with a customer. Would you like me to come over before this storm gets worse?”

“No. No, thanks, Lacey, but you don’t have to.”

“Well, is Luke, your dad, or anyone, with you now?”

“No.”

“You shouldn’t be alone with this business in the Chronicle coming out. It’s just—I just don’t know what to believe.”

Carrie’s voice trembled. “I really shouldn’t talk much more. I’m expecting a call.”

“Oh. I see.”

Those three words held a world of meaning, as in— maybe a call from a lawyer, telling her not to talk about anything .

“I just find it hard to accept that this story’s true,” Lacey added.

Carrie didn’t answer, and seconds passed. Heavy, silent, seconds.

“I really should go, Lacey.”

“Just listen, hon. You’ve got everything on your shoulders right now, with this , your dad, Luke and Emily. And that birdbrain Opal saying what she said. Lord, you may be feelin’ like everyone’s against you. But I can come right over. Clay’s out of town. I can be there, to help in any way. You just know that.”

Barely keeping herself together, Carrie realized how since her return, Lacey and Clay had been nothing but kind to her.

“I do. Thank you, Lacey.”

Ending the call, Carrie watched Kermit whispering to Elmo the difference between loud and quiet. Outside, the sky turned to night, artillery-like thunder rattling windows, rain streaking down the glass…like blood…pulling her to her father’s revelations about finding the gun… remembering…the dance hall…

“Meet us…tomorrow…keep it secret… It’s about your dad…”

At home before going to the woods…she didn’t trust them…taking a Glock from his collection…stuffing it in the pocket of her hoodie…its weight assuring…she had control…she didn’t trust them…they said it was about her father…

I took Dad’s gun and went into the woods with Abby and Erin… I did…

Her phone vibrated, then rang in her hand.

“Is this Carrie Conway, spouse of Deputy Luke Conway?”

Carrie swallowed. “Yes.”

“This is Clear River County Emergency. Ma’am, I’m sorry to inform you that Luke Conway has been injured—”

“Oh, my God!”

“—he’s been taken to Clear River Central—”

“Is he— How bad was he—”

“I have no further information. He’s at Clear River Central. We advise if you’re traveling there to exercise due care because of extreme weather.”

Carrie picked up the baby, got her things, put on both of their jackets and hurried out the door.